Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Bake

November 27, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh, the joy of holiday baking! There’s just something magical about filling your kitchen with warm, inviting scents while creating delicious treats. One of my absolute favorites to whip up during this season is chocolate peppermint cookies. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint is simply unbeatable, and it brings such a festive twist to the table! I remember the first time I made these cookies; my kitchen was filled with laughter and the delightful chaos of my kids trying to sneak bites of the dough. Trust me, once you take that first bite of these chewy, minty delights, you’ll know why they’ve become a cherished holiday tradition in my home!

Ingredients List

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Crushed peppermint candies for topping

How to Prepare Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Making chocolate peppermint cookies is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every minute of it! Let’s dive right into the steps to create these festive delights. Just remember to have fun with it—baking is all about joy and creativity!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Don’t skip this step; it makes a huge difference in the texture!
Next, add in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth. The batter should look rich and creamy!
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This step is super important to ensure your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in thirds, mixing well after each addition until just combined. You don’t want to overmix it—just blend until you see no more flour streaks.
Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract, making sure they’re evenly dispersed throughout the dough. This is where that delicious peppermint flavor really starts to shine!
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a little space because they’ll spread while baking—about 2 inches apart works perfectly!
Bake these beauties for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set but the centers still seem a bit soft. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
As soon as you pull them out of the oven, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top while they’re still warm. This gives them that extra festive touch!
Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And then, the best part—enjoy your delightful chocolate peppermint cookies!

Nutritional Information

Now, if you’re anything like me, you might be curious about what’s in these delicious chocolate peppermint cookies. Here’s a rough breakdown of the estimated nutritional values based on a serving size of one cookie:

Calories: 150
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g

Keep in mind that these values are just estimations, as actual nutritional content can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, it’s the holidays—sometimes a little indulgence is just what we need!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Rich chocolate flavor paired with a refreshing hint of peppermint that screams festive cheer.
Chewy texture with a delightful crunch from the crushed peppermint candies on top.
Crowd-pleasing appeal—everyone loves these cookies, making them a hit at any gathering.
Perfect for holiday gift-giving or cookie exchanges; they look as good as they taste!
Flexible recipe that allows you to adjust the peppermint intensity to suit your taste.
They freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them long after the holidays are over.

Tips for Success

Now, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your chocolate peppermint cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time! Trust me, these little tricks can make all the difference.

Measure Your Flour Correctly: I can’t stress this enough! Use the spoon-and-level method—spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing it down, which can lead to dry cookies.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures everything blends together nicely!
Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want them to be tender and chewy!
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have the time, chilling your dough for about 30 minutes can help the flavors meld and prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. I love the texture it gives!
Use Quality Chocolate Chips: Splurge a little on good-quality chocolate chips; it really enhances the flavor of your cookies. Trust me, you’ll taste the difference!
Experiment with Peppermint: If you’re a peppermint lover, feel free to increase the peppermint extract a tad. Just be careful not to go overboard—it’s potent stuff!
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look set around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet, so don’t worry if they look a bit underbaked!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the best chocolate peppermint cookies your friends and family have ever tasted! Happy baking!

Variations on Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

The beauty of chocolate peppermint cookies is their versatility! You can easily customize this classic recipe to suit your taste or to shake things up a bit. Here are some fun variations that I absolutely love:

White Chocolate Peppermint: Swap out the regular chocolate chips for white chocolate chips. The sweet creaminess of white chocolate pairs beautifully with the refreshing peppermint!
Nutty Delight: Add in some chopped nuts—like walnuts or pecans—for a delightful crunch. Just toss in about a cup of your favorite nuts along with the chocolate chips.
Double Chocolate: For true chocolate lovers, you can amp up the chocolate flavor by adding an extra 1/4 cup of cocoa powder and using dark chocolate chips instead. It’s rich, decadent, and oh-so-delicious!
Minty M&M’s: Instead of chocolate chips, use mint-flavored M&M’s for a pop of color and extra crunch. They’ll add a festive touch and a bit of fun to your cookies!
Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This way, everyone can enjoy these festive treats, regardless of dietary restrictions!
Chocolate Drizzle: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle some melted chocolate or white chocolate over the top for an extra touch of elegance. It not only looks beautiful but tastes divine!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own unique twist! The possibilities are endless, and each variation adds a personal touch that makes these cookies even more special.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve made your delicious chocolate peppermint cookies, you’ll want to savor them for as long as possible! To keep them fresh and tasty, here’s how I store my leftovers:

Airtight Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their chewy texture and prevents them from getting stale. They’ll stay delicious for about a week!
Layering: If you have a lot of cookies, you can layer them with parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking together. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in keeping them intact!
Freezing: If you want to enjoy them later—say, after the holiday rush—these cookies freeze beautifully! Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

Now, let’s talk about reheating! If you prefer your cookies warm and melty, here’s my secret:

Microwave: Pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked warmth without drying them out—perfect for when you need a quick fix!
Oven: For a batch, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5 minutes. This method really revives the texture and makes them taste just like they came out of the oven!

With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your chocolate peppermint cookies long after they’re made. Enjoy every delightful bite!

FAQ Section

Can I make chocolate peppermint cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for making ahead of time. Just bake them, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, or you can freeze them for up to three months!

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
No worries! If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can substitute it with extra crushed peppermint candies or even use a mint-flavored extract if you have that on hand. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, but still delicious!

Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?
You can use a sugar substitute if you prefer, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and flavor of the cookies. If you go this route, make sure to choose one that’s suitable for baking and follow the conversion ratios provided on the packaging.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your chocolate peppermint cookies are spreading excessively while baking, it could be due to a few factors. Make sure your butter isn’t too soft; it should be just softened, not melted. Also, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading!

Can I add more chocolate chips?
Definitely! If you’re a chocolate lover like me, feel free to add an extra half cup of chocolate chips for an even richer flavor. Just keep an eye on the dough consistency, as it may become a little thicker!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.